Laser scanning and green building retrofits go hand in hand for a number of reasons, but most importantly, laser scanning predominantly accommodates time and money expenditures during the development of the design. According to the US Energy Information Administration, buildings consume approximately 48 percent of the total US energy, more so than any other sector in the country. The incorporation of laser scanning technology is immensely useful in detecting interior building systems by ensuring a successful retrofit for buildings that are in high demand for energy upgrades. HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems have been determined as the “energy hog” within most buildings and cause a major upsurge in the cost of building energy. Investigating the circulation of air throughout a building as a whole is difficult to efficiently visualize.

Laser scanners can capture highly accurate measurements of existing MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems and aid in the creation of drawings that allow designers and construction managers to configure an optimal solution. Laser scanning provides excellent project deliverables that are informative and compelling, presenting rich data on building systems for owners and construction trade professionals. The following infographic puts into perspective the different sectors and building systems that consume the most energy in the US. The simple step-by-step instructions for incorporating laser scanning into a green building retrofit project result in a savings of time and money during the initial design phase and an overall decrease in building energy usage.